District 9 faces growth planning problems

Editor’s note- This is from an article that appeared in the Eagle Point Independent the week of Nov. 9, 1977.

Board member Walter Kilroy explained that, while the district must operate on the existing tax base (collecting funds from present residents), it must plan and provide facilities for residents who may not be living here and paying taxes here until five years from now.

While the district said it could not take a "no growth" stand, it will be difficult to convince present residents that they must foot the bill for a school that will be needed in three years to serve persons not now paying taxes.

Three grade schools were reported full, White City Elementary was the exception. And at that time, two subdivisions, on Lorraine Ave and Shasta Ave, were being considered by the city council.

School officials have been using an 8 percent growth projection. "That is not going to be enough. We’re skyrocketing in enrollment," explained Supt. Wes Jahn.

Despite the substantial number of students who have not returned to the district as a result of last winter’s closure, there are roughly 200 more students now than a year ago. Enrollment is at 2,987. Officials predict 3,000 by the end of the school year.

Jahn said he expects enrollment to be at least 3,400 by next school year. The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) was charged with answering, "Will the increased taxes cover the true cost of expansion of the district?"

The CAC questioned its ability to take on the project and said it would ask the school board to define exactly what information they expect.